How many cichlids in a 29g?

[bobbykurva]

I've currently got a ~5", full grown convict that will be traplanted to that tank shortly. I'm thinking about adding 2 more cichlids of another variety that will also max out at 4" - 5", for a total of 3. Do you think 29g is enough volume if I add a lot of rock and driftwood for hiding places?

[liv2padl]

by the time you add the necessary rockwork and driftwood in a sufficient quantity to keep reasonable separation between cichlids of 5 inches, you'll probably only have about 20 gallons of actual water. that's not enough volume to maintain three 5 inch cichlids. my suggestion would be to keep a "pair" of smallish cichlids such as convicts or some from the Cryptoheros group such as sajika or septemfasciatus. doing this will help to ensure that they 'get along' rather than spend most of their time killing each other off.

[bobbykurva]

Please move my post to the cichlid forum. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[pifish]

If you have good filtration and do regular water changes, you could keep 3 cichlids in there with no problem. I've seen many more fish than that get on fine in a similar tank. I use 30 gallon tubs to grow out my convict fry, and breed in 20 gallons, and I've been doing it for years.

The bigger problem will be keeping all 3 fish alive. If two of the convicts pair off, the third wheel will face alot of aggression.

[echoofformless]

With long-ish fish I personally wouldn't be as concerned with volume as I am with area.

As an example my 40g breeder is a happier cichlid home than my 55g simply because there is more space for territory.

55g: 48x13= 624 sq in
40g breeder: 36x18= 648 sq in

Twenty-four square inches more territory in the 40g breeder.

Just something to consider.

[liv2padl]

With long-ish fish I personally wouldn't be as concerned with volume as I am with area. i agree that area is more important but you still cannot fit a square peg in a round hole, eh? :dance2:

[the Amazonian]

That is too small for 3... a male and female Con is all you should have...
Females wont grow more than 3in...